10 Years, Thousands of Acres: IL Corn’s Cover Crop Program

Tara Desmond
July 9, 2025

More Acres, Less Cost: How IL Corn is Helping Farmers Invest in Sustainability

IL Corn is committed to promoting sustainable farming practices across Illinois. In partnership with seed suppliers, the organization launched the Cover Crop Coupon Program to make cover crop seed more affordable and accessible for farmers.

 

Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, the program has helped thousands of Illinois farmers try cover crops for the first time, expand their conservation acres, and invest in long-term soil health. What started as a small effort has grown into a decade-strong tradition of supporting smarter, more sustainable farming.

clint holding sign

“With the IL Corn cover crop coupon knocking $200 off my seed bill, I was able to seed twice the acres I had planned. That saved me serious cash up front,” says Illinois farmer Clint Gorden.


As agriculture moves toward a more sustainable future, practices that support soil health and environmental stewardship are more important than ever. Through programs like IL Corn’s Cover Crop Coupon, farmers are empowered to adopt conservation practices that build healthier, more resilient farms for the next 10 years and beyond.

Not a member of the IL Corn Grower's Association? Join us to take advantage of this coupon and more!

captain next to a tree
By Tara Desmond December 23, 2025
This season, we pulled together a few fun reminders of how corn connects farm life to Christmas traditions — both on and off the farm.
harvest
By Tara Desmond December 23, 2025
Illinois farmers and farm families were well represented in the 2025 Fields of Corn Photo Contest, hosted by the National Corn Growers Association.
Dave Loos
By Lyndi Allen December 22, 2025
Dave Loos, IL Corn’s Director of Biofuels and Research, was recently honored with a plaque at the Hormel Institute recognizing his many years of dedicated research, leadership, and collaboration
Green corn stalks reach towards a blue sky with fluffy white clouds.
By Lyndi Allen December 18, 2025
Imagine receiving a government payment for a crop you no longer grow, while planting a different crop with stronger market prices... that is happening now
barge
By Tara Desmond December 17, 2025
New export data from USDA and the U.S. Grains Council shows continued global demand for U.S. grains.
Matt Raben
By Tara Desmond December 17, 2025
Illinois corn farmers share conservation and ethanol practices in Japan, strengthening trust and long-term trade with a key U.S. corn market.
Show More